Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38)
There are many scriptures I could go to about Sowing and Reaping, but this is one of my favorite. One of the Principles I try to live by is. You will get out what you are willing to put in.
This Week we started a Tent Revival last night was the first night me and a few others have been working around the clock preparing for it the past few days. There is a lot of time, money, and hard work involved when it comes to a tent revival, but after the first night all the time, money, and work invested was worth it all.
I will not go into the long story of all the work that had to be done or the cost, but let’s just say several of us have lost sleep the past few days trying to get things together but boy was it worth it last night we had several come to the Alter for the first time and repent, one wanted to be baptized and we also had a former member come home. Also it was great to see everyone so pumped. For some reason when you get under a tent the Older Saint get loose. I love seeing Gods people full of Joy and excited about Church.
If you want to see a move of God, my question to you is are you investing in it? Sometimes we must go above and beyond what we think is a reasonable sacrifice. God is looking for people to invest time into the kingdom. So many people think that by giving financial they are doing their part. The bible says that God owns the cattle on a 1000 hills. His streets are made of Gold. He is looking for people to invest time into the Kingdom. Not just money. I want to encourage everyone to start investing more in the kingdom and watch what happens. Remember you will get out what you put in. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Memories
Well today has been a sad day for me. I have been thinking about the church a lot. Today is the Anniversary of the fire. Not a memory I enjoy at all but unfortunately one I have. I remember sitting at work when someone in the neighborhood called my work to get in touch with me. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing “ Joseph your church is on fire hurry come quick” I flew down Ellington parkway to get there to find out that what I was praying to be a nightmare was really happen.
I have so many memories in that building I remember getting the Holy Ghost there, being baptized; the first time I ever preached was in that building. I grew up in that building it was more to me the just a place where we gather to worship on Sunday. It was also my pray closet during the week. When every thing was stressful I could go there to escape. When I walked in the doors it was like God just wrap his arms around me.
Are building may have not been the prettiest and we might have talked about the flaws all the time and talked about a new building a lot. But at least it was ours. Sometimes we take things for granted and don’t realize how blessed we are until we lose something. I would take that small building with all the problems any day over being homeless.
I have so many memories in that building I remember getting the Holy Ghost there, being baptized; the first time I ever preached was in that building. I grew up in that building it was more to me the just a place where we gather to worship on Sunday. It was also my pray closet during the week. When every thing was stressful I could go there to escape. When I walked in the doors it was like God just wrap his arms around me.
Are building may have not been the prettiest and we might have talked about the flaws all the time and talked about a new building a lot. But at least it was ours. Sometimes we take things for granted and don’t realize how blessed we are until we lose something. I would take that small building with all the problems any day over being homeless.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Today has been a good day, but it is fixing to get a lot better!!!
This morning I woke up tired as all ways Hoped in the Shower and drove off to work. I am the only one in the office from 6:00am – 9:00am so I take advantage of this time to meditate on God while I work. Sometimes I pray, sometimes I listen to music or preaching sometimes I listen to the bible.
So what has happened today to make it so good?
1. I woke up with someone on my mind I love when God puts someone on my mind because I know they really need something from God this morning Jara was on my mind. She has been sick the past few days and has been stressed out with everything going on. So I took a little time to pray for her. I hope she has a better day today.
2. After praying 99% of the time I like to read a scripture or 2 out of my bible. I don’t really have a certain way I choose what to read I just sort of flip around until something sticks out. Today I read Psalm 103:2-5 this really blessed me and lifted me up I decided to share it with my friends and family and now I am sharing it with you.
2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.3.
3. I got a chance to blog today. It has been a while since I have gotten a chance to blog and it really made me happy to blog.
4. I have been listening to Gospel at work for 2 days now. I normally listen to praise and worship but thought I would mix it up this week. Yesterday I thought I was going to have to stop working and take a praise break. I been listening to Marvin Sapp, Hezekiah Walker, Earnest Pugh, and several others.
5. In 1 hour and 20min. I will be off work and on my way to see Anna. Any day I get to see Anna is a good day in my book. I am so ready to get off and go.
So what has happened today to make it so good?
1. I woke up with someone on my mind I love when God puts someone on my mind because I know they really need something from God this morning Jara was on my mind. She has been sick the past few days and has been stressed out with everything going on. So I took a little time to pray for her. I hope she has a better day today.
2. After praying 99% of the time I like to read a scripture or 2 out of my bible. I don’t really have a certain way I choose what to read I just sort of flip around until something sticks out. Today I read Psalm 103:2-5 this really blessed me and lifted me up I decided to share it with my friends and family and now I am sharing it with you.
2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.3.
3. I got a chance to blog today. It has been a while since I have gotten a chance to blog and it really made me happy to blog.
4. I have been listening to Gospel at work for 2 days now. I normally listen to praise and worship but thought I would mix it up this week. Yesterday I thought I was going to have to stop working and take a praise break. I been listening to Marvin Sapp, Hezekiah Walker, Earnest Pugh, and several others.
5. In 1 hour and 20min. I will be off work and on my way to see Anna. Any day I get to see Anna is a good day in my book. I am so ready to get off and go.
Luke 14: 23 And the master told his servants, 'Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.
This scripture comes from one of my favorite parables called the Great Banquet. (Luke 14:12 – 24) and the reason I am blogging about this is because of Sunday afternoon I did one of my favorite things to do and that’s to hit the streets and compel the lost to come in.
We are having a Tent Revival next week and I will be preaching Friday night. I am really excited. This will be the first Tent Revival I have preached at. The Pastor really wants us to focus on the lost and the souls in the community. So we printed off some flyers and hit the streets to invite people.
I think everyone has there on way they like to pass out flyers. Some stick the flyers in doors, some just hand them to people, but I like to talk to the person and get to know them I want to leave an impression on them they might think I am crazy when I walk away, but my Goal is to not just invite them to church but that when I walk away they realize Jesus loves them and someone cares about their soul.
Out of all the times I have walked the streets to invite people one thing I notice is that people are hurting. They have no Hope, Joy, or Peace. I cannot think of one person who even smiles. Everyone is so sad and is about to cry. This world has so many weights on are fellow brothers and sisters and it is up to us to be there for them.
The majority of the people in our neighbor are struggling some are dealing with addictions. Many do not have jobs. Very few have cars. Many people would say we are wasting our time. But that because they don’t read what the word of God says “Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.”(Luke 14:21)
The Best investment you will ever make is to invest in someone that cannot help you in return. Reaching out to the poor crippled blind and lame will all ways cost you with finances and time, but my question to you is. Who do you want to bless you God or Man. Sure you could win a millionaire to your church and that millionaire could bless your church finances. But it is nothing like winning someone who has nothing and God blessing you.
Lord I just thank you for each and every Soul that you have place in my community. I ask that you use are church as a Hospital for the sick and hurting. Let us be a light house to our neighborhood. Do not let us be distracted by material things, but all ways focus on the needs of the people. Thank you for each and every person I had a chance to talk to on Sunday. I ask that you remind them of this Tent revival and Let this tent be filled as we prepare a feast for their Souls.
We are having a Tent Revival next week and I will be preaching Friday night. I am really excited. This will be the first Tent Revival I have preached at. The Pastor really wants us to focus on the lost and the souls in the community. So we printed off some flyers and hit the streets to invite people.
I think everyone has there on way they like to pass out flyers. Some stick the flyers in doors, some just hand them to people, but I like to talk to the person and get to know them I want to leave an impression on them they might think I am crazy when I walk away, but my Goal is to not just invite them to church but that when I walk away they realize Jesus loves them and someone cares about their soul.
Out of all the times I have walked the streets to invite people one thing I notice is that people are hurting. They have no Hope, Joy, or Peace. I cannot think of one person who even smiles. Everyone is so sad and is about to cry. This world has so many weights on are fellow brothers and sisters and it is up to us to be there for them.
The majority of the people in our neighbor are struggling some are dealing with addictions. Many do not have jobs. Very few have cars. Many people would say we are wasting our time. But that because they don’t read what the word of God says “Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.”(Luke 14:21)
The Best investment you will ever make is to invest in someone that cannot help you in return. Reaching out to the poor crippled blind and lame will all ways cost you with finances and time, but my question to you is. Who do you want to bless you God or Man. Sure you could win a millionaire to your church and that millionaire could bless your church finances. But it is nothing like winning someone who has nothing and God blessing you.
Lord I just thank you for each and every Soul that you have place in my community. I ask that you use are church as a Hospital for the sick and hurting. Let us be a light house to our neighborhood. Do not let us be distracted by material things, but all ways focus on the needs of the people. Thank you for each and every person I had a chance to talk to on Sunday. I ask that you remind them of this Tent revival and Let this tent be filled as we prepare a feast for their Souls.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
A Godly Heritage
Last night and today I been listen to some of my Great Aunt & Uncles music. I remember going to singings with them when I was little. I am so blessed to have a Godly Heritage. I am a 4th Generation Apostolic. My Great Grandfather started to church I attend in 1948. His Nickname was Shouting Hale. I am sure I will talk more about them in the future. but for now here is a video of him preaching and my Great Aunt & Uncle Singing. I hope you all enjoy.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Psalm 23 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
God is soooo GOOD!!! Last night after we got back from church Chase hugged me and could not stop smiling. All he could say was “my cup runneth over.” This morning/week/year has been amazing the only way I know to explain it is Joy unspeakable. God has blessed me so much; this year has been a year of restoration. I have had to opportunity to see several people return to the Lord this year.
It has almost been a year since Bro. Joe first step in the door @ CFC. I am so thankful for him he has inspired many of us as we watched him and stood by him on the road to restoration. I think seeing him serve the Lord has been one of the biggest things that has touched Caleb and Chase here lately. Bro. Joe was there youth leader when they were younger and I am sure they were devastated when he got out of church. I have tried to really reach them for years but felt like I was hitting a brick wall, but this year since Joe has gotten involved in the church I see a change in them I see them wanting to serve to Lord. Joe has only been teaching Sunday school for 2 or 3 weeks now I guess and he has a bigger Teen class then me and Paul ever had and I am loving it.
More of the youth is asking to go to the Youth services at other churches and they are getting connected with other youth groups. Back in Dec. when we had the Service @ Hope the few Teens I brought with me I really encourage them to get connected with the others there age. I encouraged them to add everyone on Facebook and to swap phone numbers with some of the other teens they meet there. The services we have on the weekends are great but these kids need more than just a powerful service on Friday night. They go to school 5 days a week and are faced with issues every day. They need more than just 1 service a week they need friends that are spirit filled that they can talk to and share with. They need to know that they are not alone. I knew back in Dec. if all of the youth groups could get connected then they could help each other and I am starting to see that in action. I know when I was a teen there was things that I dealt with that I could not tell my family or my pastor or youth leader and I depended on my friends. My problem was most of my friend were negatively impacting me. I did not have friends in the church and was steered in the wrong direction. My Prayer is that connecting some of these teens together they will have a chance to avoid making a few of the wrong turns I made.
I am so excited to see what God is doing. I cannot wait to see what is next.
It has almost been a year since Bro. Joe first step in the door @ CFC. I am so thankful for him he has inspired many of us as we watched him and stood by him on the road to restoration. I think seeing him serve the Lord has been one of the biggest things that has touched Caleb and Chase here lately. Bro. Joe was there youth leader when they were younger and I am sure they were devastated when he got out of church. I have tried to really reach them for years but felt like I was hitting a brick wall, but this year since Joe has gotten involved in the church I see a change in them I see them wanting to serve to Lord. Joe has only been teaching Sunday school for 2 or 3 weeks now I guess and he has a bigger Teen class then me and Paul ever had and I am loving it.
More of the youth is asking to go to the Youth services at other churches and they are getting connected with other youth groups. Back in Dec. when we had the Service @ Hope the few Teens I brought with me I really encourage them to get connected with the others there age. I encouraged them to add everyone on Facebook and to swap phone numbers with some of the other teens they meet there. The services we have on the weekends are great but these kids need more than just a powerful service on Friday night. They go to school 5 days a week and are faced with issues every day. They need more than just 1 service a week they need friends that are spirit filled that they can talk to and share with. They need to know that they are not alone. I knew back in Dec. if all of the youth groups could get connected then they could help each other and I am starting to see that in action. I know when I was a teen there was things that I dealt with that I could not tell my family or my pastor or youth leader and I depended on my friends. My problem was most of my friend were negatively impacting me. I did not have friends in the church and was steered in the wrong direction. My Prayer is that connecting some of these teens together they will have a chance to avoid making a few of the wrong turns I made.
I am so excited to see what God is doing. I cannot wait to see what is next.
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